Congratulations to SSIS HS Graduate Melody Hsieh

Melody Hsieh, High School graduate of Shanghai Singapore International School, Minhang Campus, is going to the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York to study Fine Arts.

I feel excited to proceed to my university because I am ready to accept new challenges and opportunities. At the same time, I felt sad to leave my friends and teachers at SSIS.

This summer is very precious to me, as it could be my last time being with my friends from High School and living with my parents. So I will stay in Shanghai for a month just to hang out with my friends and teachers. I will then move back to Taiwan to visit my family before leaving for university.

This is my 11th year studying at SSIS, which was an awesome experience. Although I have made a lot of mistakes, I never regret making those because that’s what made me grow. I think what is special about SSIS is the community. All the students are friendly and open-minded. The teachers respect you and give a lot of freedom to the students.

One of the best memories at SSIS was the FAME musical. I had participated in the school musicals for many years; it was an awesome opportunity to express myself and perform on stage. And because of that, I developed my passion for acting. Another was our school’s senior prom. I get to dance all night with my friends and teachers while dressing up beautifully.

I completed IBDP in High School; I took Math Studies, English A Standard Level, Business Management Standard Level, Chinese B Higher Level, Visual Art Higher Level, and Biology Higher Level. I like this program because it pushes me to do more work and overcome my challenges.

Besides the academic work from school, I have joined other activities such as sports, musical and art classes to stay motivated. It also helped me to stay relaxed and not always think about schoolwork. This balanced out my daily activity and made my High School years enjoyable.

I’ve been studying in international school for 11 years. I think studying at international school does prepare us for a better future because we get to meet and understand the culture of every individual coming from different countries. We are more open-minded and better at adapting to changes.

Advice for fellow students: Cherish every last moment being with your friends, teachers, and family. No matter how much workload or other challenges, everything will soon be over.